What does it mean to be called as a husband, a wife, a parent, a child? How does the grace of the gospel impact how we carry out our particular calling? How does God's presence influence the struggles that families face? Gene Veith joins forces with his daughter Mary Moerbe to explore these kinds of questions as well as the roles of calling and vocation in family life. Though we have little control over who is in our family (other than choosing a spouse and deciding to have children), God has placed us with specific people for specific reasons. Veith and Moerbe show how our roles are distinct and important to God's plan for our lives—and that when we have a biblical understanding of those roles in our families, we can move away from common dysfunctions and toward forgiveness and healing. Writing with sensitivity and wisdom, Veith and Moerbe address the common problems facing contemporary families: the crosses, the weaknesses, and the uncertainties. They articulate a compelling, biblical paradigm for creating and sustaining loving and forgiving families who maintain hope in the face of cultural pressure. This book is an important resource for all Christians, including pastors, counselors, and those working in family ministry.

"Family Vocation: Embracing God's Call with Unity and Purpose" is a compelling exploration of the profound journey families undertake when responding to the call of God. This reading material delves into the intricate tapestry of family life, uncovering the ways in which families, as cohesive units, navigate the sacred path set by God. With a keen focus on unity and purpose, this reading offers guidance on nurturing strong family bonds while aligning with the greater spiritual mission to respond to the calling of God.

Rather than discussing their possible vocation, discussions of children tend to center on their rights or duties. Does God have intentions for their young lives -- before they grow up and become “real” people? Distinguished jurist Patrick McKinley Brennan has gathered sixteen authors to approach this idea in various ways, from historical to psychological to theological. The authors explore throughout whether it is possible for adults to either squander their children's vocations or instead to help discover and embrace them. Contributors: Marcia Bunge Patrick McKinley Brennan John E. Coons Charles Leslie Glenn Heather M. Good Vigen Guroian William Harmless Anthony J. Kelly Bonnie Miller-McLemore Charles J. Reid Jr. Philip L. Reynolds Elmer John Thiessen George Van Grieken Robert K. Vischer William J. Werpehowski John Witte Jr.

"What do I want to be when I grow up?" It's the question children love to ponder (and act out) at an early age. Here's a question we parents might want to ask ourselves: "How can I gently and lovingly help my children discern what God is calling them to be?" And here's a beautiful answer: Read So Many Ways to Be Holy: A Child's Book about Vocations with your child. Charming pictures of children playing dress-up capture the joy that is to be found in all kinds of lives of service -- from being an artist, a doctor, or an astronaut to becoming a priest, a brother, or a nun, and more! For each occupation, your child will learn the patron saint who would protect and guide them to use their talents for the glory of God! Did you know that the patron saint of scientists is St. Albert the Great? And what about the patron saint of ... farmers? dancers? cooks? or fire fighters or truck drivers or ...? After sparking childish imaginations, the book closes with this sweet prayer.

FEATURING PHOTOS AND EPHEMERA from the '50s, '60s, and '70s, Rugh takes us through the whole family-vacation process, from planning and packing to selecting the fast-food stops and motels to enjoying the destination. Family Vacation triggers fond memories of fights in the backseat, treasured souvenirs, and all-American tourist spots like Yellowstone, Disneyland, or Washington, D.C. Whether the summer vacation was to Grandma's farm or a tour of the United States coast to coast, this book is sure to get people reminiscing, I remember when . . . Camping is the number one outdoor vacation activity. One third of U.S. adults say they have gone on a camping vacation in the past five years. (Source: Adventure Travel Report) International travel to the United States is one of our leading exports. In 2001, 45.5 million international travelers visited.

When you understand it properly, the doctrine of vocation—"doing everything for God's glory"—is not a platitude or an outdated notion. This principle that we vaguely apply to our lives and our work is actually the key to Christian ethics, to influencing our culture for Christ, and to infusing our ordinary, everyday lives with the presence of God. For when we realize that the "mundane" activities that consume most of our time are "God's hiding places," our perspective changes. Culture expert Gene Veith unpacks the biblical, Reformation teaching about the doctrine of vocation, emphasizing not what we should specifically do with our time or what careers we are called to, but what God does in and through our callings—even within the home. In each task He has given us—in our workplaces and families, our churches and society—God Himself is at work. Veith guides you to discover God's purpose and calling in those seemingly ordinary areas by providing you with a spiritual framework for thinking about such issues and for acting upon them with a changed perspective.

Answers parents' questions and concerns about priesthood, celibacy, seminary, and more.